Two far-right Israeli parties, members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, have indicated their reluctance to support the proposed hostage deal currently being considered. The Religious Zionism Party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, expressed disapproval of the suggested deal, citing concerns for Israel’s security and the well-being of the hostages. Similarly, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Power party stated their difficulty in supporting the deal, emphasizing their demand for a release of all hostages under their terms. Both parties revealed that they had not been presented with the full terms of the deal, highlighting the ongoing discussions within the war and security cabinets.
As the war cabinet meets to consider the deal, the statements from the far-right parties add a layer of complexity to the negotiations. The Israeli government’s goal is to secure the release of at least 50 hostages, with the possibility of extending the deal if Hamas is willing to release more hostages. Additionally, the proposed agreement involves a temporary ceasefire during which Israel will halt the surveillance drones over Gaza and Hamas will gather additional women and children hostages. The negotiations also include Hamas’s demand for hundreds of trucks of aid, particularly fuel, essential for their military operations and the maintenance of their underground network of tunnels in Gaza.
The reluctance of the far-right Israeli parties to support the proposed hostage deal reflects the complexity and sensitivity of the negotiations, adding a layer of uncertainty to the situation. The demands and concerns of both parties, as well as the ongoing discussions within the Israeli government, underscore the intricacies of reaching a comprehensive agreement with Hamas. The potential implications of their reluctance and the specific terms of the deal being considered will continue to influence the ongoing negotiations and the ultimate resolution of the hostage situation.
